So, you've found a job that looks awesome, and you're ready to apply. But wait, there's that one part: the cover letter. It might seem a little scary, but a good cover letter is your chance to shine and show the employer why you're the perfect fit. This article will break down exactly What To Write In A Cover Letter Sample so you can create a winning document.
The Foundation: What Goes Into Every Great Cover Letter
Think of your cover letter as a personal introduction. It's not just a summary of your resume; it's where you connect your skills and experiences directly to the job you're applying for. The importance of tailoring your cover letter to each specific job cannot be overstated. A generic letter will likely get overlooked.
Here's a general outline of what you should include:
- Your Contact Information: Your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one).
- Date: The date you're sending the letter.
- Employer's Contact Information: The hiring manager's name (if you know it), their title, the company name, and address.
- Salutation: A polite greeting, like "Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. [Last Name]," or "Dear Hiring Manager," if you don't know the name.
- Introduction Paragraph: State the position you're applying for and where you saw the advertisement. Briefly mention why you're excited about the role.
- Body Paragraphs (1-2): This is the core of your letter. Here, you'll highlight specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Use examples!
- Conclusion Paragraph: Reiterate your interest, mention any attached documents (like your resume), and state your eagerness for an interview.
- Closing: A professional closing like "Sincerely," or "Best regards," followed by your typed name.
To make sure you're hitting all the right notes, consider this simple table for what to focus on:
| What to Highlight | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Relevant skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving) | Shows you can do the job |
| Specific achievements or projects | Proves your abilities with evidence |
| Enthusiasm for the company and role | Demonstrates genuine interest |
Applying for Your Dream Job: A General Cover Letter Example
Sample: General Job Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name (if known)]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. Having followed [Company Name]'s innovative work in [Industry] for some time, I am particularly drawn to your commitment to [Specific Company Value or Project]. My background in [Your Relevant Field] and proven ability to [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2] make me a strong candidate for this role.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility] which resulted in [Quantifiable Achievement, e.g., a 15% increase in customer satisfaction]. I am adept at [Another Skill] and have experience with [Relevant Software or Tool]. I am confident that these skills, combined with my strong work ethic and passion for [Industry/Field], would allow me to make a significant contribution to your team.
I have attached my resume for your review, which provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for considering my application. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit [Company Name] in an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
When You Have No Direct Experience: Focusing on Transferable Skills
Sample: No Direct Experience, Strong Transferable Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name (if known)]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which I saw advertised on [Platform]. While I may not have direct experience in [Specific Industry/Role], I am incredibly eager to learn and am confident that my strong foundational skills and dedication will make me a valuable asset to your team.
Throughout my academic career and volunteer work, I have developed excellent [Transferable Skill 1, e.g., communication] skills. For example, in my role as [Your Role in a Club/Organization], I successfully [Specific Example of using the skill, e.g., organized and led meetings, presented information clearly to diverse groups]. I also honed my [Transferable Skill 2, e.g., problem-solving] abilities when [Another Specific Example, e.g., I had to troubleshoot an issue with a group project and find a creative solution]. I am a quick learner, highly organized, and committed to delivering high-quality results.
I am particularly impressed by [Company Name]'s work in [Area of the Company's Work] and am excited by the prospect of contributing to such a forward-thinking organization. I am eager to gain hands-on experience and grow within your company. My resume, attached for your review, details my academic achievements and other relevant experiences.
Thank you for considering my application. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of discussing how my transferable skills and willingness to learn can benefit [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
When You're Switching Careers: Highlighting Relevant Experience
Sample: Career Changer
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name (if known)]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as seen on [Platform]. While my professional background has been primarily in [Previous Industry], I have been actively transitioning my skills and passion towards [New Industry/Field] and believe my experience in [Relevant Skill from Previous Career] and [Another Relevant Skill] makes me an excellent candidate for this opportunity.
In my previous role as [Your Previous Role] at [Previous Company], I consistently demonstrated strong [Transferable Skill 1, e.g., leadership] by [Specific Example of leadership, e.g., managing a team of five and exceeding project deadlines]. Furthermore, my experience in [Specific Task/Responsibility from Previous Role] honed my [Transferable Skill 2, e.g., analytical] abilities, allowing me to [Specific Example of analytical work, e.g., identify trends and propose solutions that saved the company X amount]. I have also recently completed [Relevant Course/Certification in New Field] to solidify my knowledge in [New Field].
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s reputation for [Specific Company Strength] and its commitment to [Company Value]. I am eager to apply my well-developed transferable skills and newly acquired expertise to contribute to your team's success. My resume, attached for your review, provides further details on my professional journey.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of discussing how my unique background can benefit [Company Name] in an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
When Applying for an Internship: Emphasizing Eagerness and Learning
Sample: Internship Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name (if known)]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Internship Title] internship opportunity at [Company Name], which I discovered on [Platform]. As a [Your Year of Study, e.g., sophomore] student pursuing a degree in [Your Major] at [Your University], I am eager to gain practical experience in [Field of Internship] and believe [Company Name] would provide an unparalleled learning environment.
During my studies, I have developed a strong understanding of [Relevant Subject Matter] and have a particular passion for [Specific Area within the Field]. I have applied these concepts in [Academic Project or Volunteer Experience], where I [Specific task and outcome, e.g., collaborated on a research project and presented our findings]. I am a dedicated student with strong organizational skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning from experienced professionals.
I am especially impressed by [Company Name]'s work in [Specific Company Project or Initiative]. I am eager to contribute my energy and willingness to learn to your team, assisting with tasks such as [Examples of tasks you're willing to do]. I am a quick study and am committed to making the most of this internship experience.
My resume, attached for your review, provides more information about my academic background and relevant activities. Thank you for considering my application. I am very excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and learning from your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
When Referrals Matter: Mentioning Your Contact
Sample: Referral Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name (if known)]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. I was enthusiastically encouraged to apply by [Name of Person who Referred You], who is a [Your Relationship to the Referrer, e.g., colleague, former manager] at [Company Name]. [Name of Referrer] spoke highly of [Company Name]'s culture and the exciting work being done by your team, particularly in [Area of Work Referrer Mentioned].
Based on [Name of Referrer]'s insights and my own research, I am confident that my skills in [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2] align perfectly with the requirements of this role. In my previous position at [Previous Company], I successfully [Quantifiable Achievement related to the job]. I am adept at [Relevant Software/Tool] and possess a proven track record of [Key Responsibility].
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s dedication to [Specific Company Mission or Value]. I believe my proactive approach and commitment to excellence would make me a valuable addition to your team. My resume is attached for your detailed review.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my qualifications can contribute to [Company Name]'s continued success and would appreciate the opportunity for an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
When You're Reapplying to a Company: Reminding Them of Your Value
Sample: Reapplying to a Company
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name (if known)]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I am writing to re-express my strong interest in opportunities at [Company Name], specifically the [Job Title] position, which I saw advertised on [Platform]. Although my previous application for [Previous Role Applied For] in [Month/Year of Previous Application] was unsuccessful, I remain highly impressed by [Company Name]'s [Specific Aspect you admire, e.g., commitment to innovation] and am confident that my skills and dedication have continued to grow.
Since my last application, I have [Mention new skills learned or experience gained, e.g., gained valuable experience in project management by leading a successful initiative at my current role] and have further developed my abilities in [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2]. I am particularly proud of [Specific achievement since last application] which demonstrates my ability to [Key Result]. I am eager to apply this enhanced skill set to contribute to [Company Name]'s goals.
I believe my understanding of [Company Name]'s mission and my previous positive interactions with your team [if applicable] make me a strong candidate. I am committed to [Company Name]'s success and am excited by the prospect of contributing to your future projects. My updated resume is attached for your review.
Thank you for reconsidering my application. I am very keen to discuss how my evolved qualifications and continued enthusiasm can benefit [Company Name] in an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
When Following Up After an Interview: Reiteration and Enthusiasm
Sample: Follow-Up After Interview
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I truly enjoyed learning more about the role and the exciting work your team is doing in [Specific Area of Company's Work]. Our conversation further solidified my enthusiasm for this opportunity.
I was particularly interested in our discussion about [Specific topic discussed during the interview] and am confident that my experience in [Relevant Skill or Experience] would allow me to contribute effectively to these efforts. I was also impressed by your insights into [Another topic discussed] and am eager to bring my [Relevant Skill] to help address these challenges.
I am very excited about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and believe my skills, work ethic, and passion for [Industry/Field] make me a strong fit for your team. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
Writing a cover letter might seem like a lot, but remember it's your personal introduction to the employer. By understanding what to write in a cover letter sample and tailoring it to each job, you can create a powerful document that highlights your strengths and makes a fantastic first impression. Good luck!